Washington Redskins: Analyzing the Current State of the Team's Offensive Line

The Washington Redskins are proceeding through free agency as though they are satisfied with the current state of their offensive line. The lack of new recruits to supplement a weak front five is one of the most surprising aspects of the team's free-agency activity.

The likes of Ben Grubbs, Evan Mathis, Eric Winston and Mike Brisiel have already left the market, and the Redskins have adopted an approach focused on retaining their own.

They re-signed center Will Montgomery just prior to the start of free agency and yesterday saw left guard Kory Lichtensteiger sign his restricted free-agent tender. Are these moves a sign that Mike Shanahan believes his line is in good shape heading into the new season?

Perhaps the real question is: Should Shanahan believe his current line is good enough?

Trent Williams, LT

Regular readers are probably aware that this author is not completely convinced by Trent Williams. Yes, the talent and potential are there, but he is still guilty of too many lapses in concentration and episodes of poor technique.

Williams missed the final four games of the season due to a drug-related suspension. It was said to his third failed drugs test, and one more could cost him a full year.

The fourth overall selection in the 2010 draft has a lot to do to prove he can escape bust status. Staying out of trouble, as well as improving his stance, takeoff and hands placement, should be the minimum requirements for the player set to count over $13 million against the cap.

Kory Lichtensteiger, LG

Drafted from Bowling Green State by Shanahan in 2008, Lichtensteiger followed his coach to D.C. and became the first signing of the Shanahan era.

Lichtensteiger is a crafty finesse blocker who possesses good mobility and naturally fits Shanahan's zone-blocking techniques. However, he lost 11 games to injury last season and has struggled to prove his fitness throughout his short career.

His scheme familiarity and suitability makes Lichtensteiger a big miss. The line suffered badly without him, and it's hard to feel too comfortable about being so reliant on him again.

Will Montgomery, C

Montgomery is an intelligent and scrappy center. The only drawback to his game is that he can be physically dominated on occasion.

While his credentials as a starter remain debatable, Montgomery has made nice strides in the blocking scheme and is one of few linemen showing consistent improvement since Shanahan arrived.

Chris Chester, RG

Chester was solid and nothing more after arriving from the Baltimore Ravens last year. While his natural athleticism suits the zone-based system well, Chester never established himself as a force, particularly in pass protection.

However, he is still a player with good upside, and part of his struggles can possibly be attributed to the team's issues at right tackle.

Jammal Brown

Nagging injuries and poor performances have epitomised Brown's time with the Redskins. He has never comfortably adapted to the right tackle position, after beginning his career on the left.

The veteran was especially poor dealing with speedy edge rushers. He often appears laboured when rising out of his stance and is beaten to the corner before he reacts.

Brown seems to lack the initial burst needed to disengage the line of scrimmage and move quickly out into space. This makes him ill-suited to Washington's zone techniques and means that runs to the right side of the line often yield only minimal gains.

Notable Reserves: Willie Smith, T; Maurice Hurt, G

Smith and Hurt performed admirably in place of Williams and Lichtensteiger. Smith acquitted himself well at tackle, although his lack of experience and natural power was occasionally ruthlessly exposed.

Yet, Smith offers a high level of athleticism and mobility and could be starting calibre with good coaching. A move to right tackle has been suggested by some, and it is a switch this author would heartily recommend.

Like many along the interior of the Redskins' line, Hurt struggled to handle a powerful bull rush. Derek Landri humiliated him in the season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles.

One area in which both Smith and Hurst excelled was run-blocking. Rushes to their side were increasingly fruitful toward the end of the season.

They both demonstrated sound footwork and excellent quickness at the snap, enabling them to get to the second level and be a factor.

Likely Free-Agent Target: Demetrius Bell, T, Buffalo Bills

The Redskins are said to have met with Bell, and the 27-year-old would be a useful addition. He has the versatility and natural agility to be a factor in Shanahan's schemes.

Bell missed time with injury in 2011, but he is an accomplished blocker, and if he can stay healthy, he would be a major upgrade on Brown.

Best Draft Fit: Andrew Datko, T, Florida State

Datko is a natural zone-blocker, with the footwork and mobility to excel in space. Two shoulder surgeries at Florida State do count against him, but he has certainly overcome a lot to enter the draft.

At 6'6" and 321 pounds, he would be a great fit inside and would give the Redskins more of a physical presence along the interior.

Conclusion

The Redskins are certainly acting as if they feel the line is good enough to hold up in 2012. Even one free-agent signing is likely to be deemed not enough by many.

There can be no doubt that Shanahan and Bruce Allen would be wise to identify some quality options in free agency and the draft. When the line collapsed in 2011, the season went with it.

Without better play up front, Robert Griffin III will surely flounder. If the front five can't improve, the only attributes people will be looking for from Griffin will be ball protection and game management.